John McDonough wasn’t talking specifically about Blackhawks players when he said it. Chicago was in the middle of its surprising playoff run when McDonough met with a group of reporters at the United Center.

He was gracious with his time. Even ordered some pizza for a small group of writers working a long shift. And during the long conversation, he shared his philosophy as team president of the Blackhawks.

There’s a Blackhawks Way, he said, and if one of his employees doesn’t get it, they’re out.

“I’m not really patient and have a tendency to call people on things because, to me, once is a trend,” McDonough said at the time.